Melody Strikes Back by Myra Walker

Ken attributed Melody’s love for sleep to laziness, but discovering it was due to his grandmother’s illness shifted his perspective. “I guess I was mistaken about her,” he pondered. 

However, this realization didn’t soften his view of her materialisac tendencies. Observing her, he couldn’t shake the notion that her efforts to cure Grandma were merely a quest for wealth and status. Women driven by materialism and schemes were his least favorite. 

Meanwhile, Melody meticulously examined the medicinal herbs David Chen handed over. Aware of his good intentions but reckless nature, she couldn’t forget how his mistake almost cost ber dearly in her past life. Thus, she cautiously approached his prescriptions, unwilling to repeat past mistakes. 

David observed as Melody meticulously scrutinized his prescription. Growing somewhat irritated, he furrowed his brow and responded, “What exactly are you searching for? Do you suspect I might have overlooked something? I’ve assembled the herbs exactly as per the list you provided. If you have doubts, feel free to explore other herbal dispensaries.” 

David’s 

I’s manner was direct, even with customers. He remained steadfast whenever someone appeared to be questioning his capabilities. 

Melody shook her head, persisting in her examination of the herbs. As she worked, she explained, “It’s not a lack of trust in you or the establishment. This prescription is crucial, and there’s no room for error..” Her words trailed off as she halted abruptly, pointing at one of the herbs with a dissatisfied expression, “What is this?” 

David glanced at it and responded bluntly, “It’s star anise, naturally. Why even bother if you’re unsure of what you’re inspecting?” 

Melody’s expression darkened as she picked up some of the herbs she pointed at and repeated firmly, “Look at it closely and tell me what it is again.” 

“It’s the star…” David began to respond, his voice trailing off abruptly as he glanced at the herbs in Melody’s hand. His eyes widened in fear as he realized what had happened. 

“Th–this…” David stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment. He hastily seized the herbs and darted off, mumbling as he departed, “Just wait a moment…” 

Ken observed David’s hurried exit and turned to inquire, “What going on?” 

Sensing the presence of other patrons in the store, she lowered her voice to avoid causing a scene. “He packed the wrong herbs. Those herbs weren’t star anise. It’s another type of anise that could be fatal if misused.” 

After the explanation, a palpable chill settled in the air, and Ken’s expression turned icy. Following a tense pause, David rushed over with a fresh pack of herbs clutched in his hand. 

He bowed deeply before Melody, his voice trembling with urgency. “I deeply apologize, Miss. I made an error, but I’ve already rectified it. I assure you, it was unintentional! Despite their similar appearance, the two herbs are stored in entirely separate locations. It’s unfathomable how I could have made such a mistake, but that’s no excuse, he explained, his expression fraught with concern. 

“I take full responsibility for this oversight. I’ll contact the store manager immediately and confess my blunder. Please accept my sincere apologies, David pleaded, fully aware of the gravity of his mistake. 

A sheen of sweat formed on his brow as David contemplated the potential consequences. He recalled his earlier irritation at Melody’s scrutiny, yet now it became clear that her vigilance had likely averted a catastrophe. With such a serious blunder, he faced the grim possibility of manslaughter charges and inevitable imprisonment should someone suffer harm as a result. 

“Accept your apology?” Ken’s eyes narrowed, his tone turning icy 

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Despite his charming features, Ken’s steely expression radiated intimidation. David felt a shiver run down his spine at his words, and even Melody couldn’t help but flinch. 

“That’s all Just an apology?” Ken’s voice rose with each word, filled with a palpable anger. “If anything happens to my grandmother, nothing will suffice, even if you had ten lives to offer!” 

“L…” David acknowledged his mistake, relinquishing any attempt to defend himself. Instead, he bowed repeatedly in apology to Ken and Melody, fully aware of the severity of his error. 

The commotion seized the attention of the patrons in the herbal store, drawing their curious gazes toward the source. 

Some recognized Ken, their eyes widening in surprise, and whispers began to ripple through the air. “Isn’t that Ken Swanson?” one voice murmured. 

“Ken Swanson!” Melody interjected, gripping his arm to prevent any further outburst. 

In her previous life, this herbal store had been the first to recognize and validate Melody’s medical expertise, contributing to her growing reputation. Their support had ultimately played a significant role in her eventual marriage to Ulric Swanson. 

Melody was grateful for their past support and recognition. Despite her limited interactions with the establishment in this life, she had no desire to tarnish their reputation. Moreover, she sensed there was more to this situation than met the eye. 

With Melody’s intervention, Ken ceased his tirade and turned his attention towards her, “Why? Did I say something wrong? 

“No, Melody shook her head, her tone firm “People are watching you. I think it’s best not to make a scene about this, especially considering your grandmother, she advised. 

Recalling the abrupt shift in his grandmother’s demeanor the previous night and the shock of seeing her condition, Ken complied with Melody’s suggestion and fell silent. 

Let’s pay 

for the herbs and leave first. I need to speak with you privately. Melody directed, subtly signaling David to hand over the prescription. David swiftly packed the herbs into a bag and respectfully passed it to Melody. 

Melody accepted the bag from him and spoke in a hushed tone, her words laden with gravity. “I’m not sure if this is your first error, but I hope it’s your last. Promise me that, or there will be consequences.” 

David’s eyes widened in disbelief as he processed Melody’s words ‘Is she letting me off?‘ he pondered, a wave of relief washing over him 

“I–1 understand” I promise I won’t repeat this mistake,” he pledged, tears brimming as he bowed deeply to Melody. Thank you! Thank you so much!” 

Many believed that a person’s character was reflected in their appearance. Yet, despite Mélody’s unconventional looks, her inherent kindness radiated brightly. Perhaps not all sayings are accurate, David reflected. 

Melody nodded solemnly, then turned to Ken. “Let’s go. We’ll talk outside.” 

Ken observed Melody thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. As he watched her depart from the store, he couldn’t shake the feeling that an air of mystery surrounded her. 

Seeing Melody already leaving the store, Ken followed suit after giving David a warning glance. He was determined to hear Melody’s rationale for pardoning David. ‘If she can’t provide a valid reason, I’ll make sure he faces the consequences, he resolved firmly. 

Once outside the store, Melody walked in the opposite direction Ken paused and hesitated briefly before deciding to follow her. Closing the distance, he silently relieved her of the weighty bag of herbs and walked ahead solemnly.